Dreamed up by Rebecca and Charles Trois, this intriguing hand-built village in Texas was constructed in the late 1990s. An unexpected slice of the Mediterranean in the United States, the property has been on and off the market since the couple's divorce, and now the entire Trois Estate could be yours for £5.6 million ($6.4m). But what incredible hidden features do you get with the sale? Click or scroll on for more...
The architecture draws on Spanish and Italian aesthetics, meandering across over 36 acres overlooking Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg, Texas. The village's imaginatively designed Adobe-style homes, including the 3,710-square-foot main house, are awash with mosaics and ornate ironwork, while lion’s head door knockers beckon you to explore.
While you might imagine this is just another Texas ranch, you’d be wrong. Alongside 13 original structures, the Trois Estate boasts a myriad of intriguing features within its walls, as well as underground. The village plays host to an antique museum, reportedly the world’s largest cap gun collection and even an underground chapel. But that’s not all…
As a former functioning bed and breakfast, the estate houses over 30 bedrooms and plentiful gathering venues, including the restaurant deck. Seen here complete with charming hanging glass pendant lamps and Gaudí-esque mosaic flooring, rows of dining tables sit patiently waiting for guests, against the stunning vistas of Enchanted Rock.
Proprietor Rebecca Trois spoke with the Resorts and Lodges YouTube channel about her and her husband Charles’ unique property while it was a bed and breakfast, describing it as the "evolution of thought, prayer and belief and the inner workings of Charles’ mind coming to fruition". She explains how he went to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and was inspired by the architecture there.
Alongside 10 casitas with ensuite bathrooms, the village is also home to an 18-room lodge. The sprawling accommodation block is ideal for generating significant cash flow thanks to its fully equipped catering kitchen and expansive event spaces for larger groups.
Should you decide to snap up the village and start your own inn, you’ll have to live up to the Trois' exquisite catering services, however. Hostess with the mostest and chef, Rebecca delivers gourmet breakfasts to the suites or the scenic rooftop, before whipping up culinary masterpieces in the Italian ristorante come dinner time.
Curved ceilings and huge, multi-panelled windows set the scene for rustic dining within the Texas landscape at the Trois Estate. Ideal for a corporate event or a wedding reception, the property was voted among the best Texas Hill Country wedding destinations, according to the old bed and breakfast listing.
What better place to house your wedding guests than in your very own village? The 5,000-square-foot banquet hall boasts soaring ceilings, a stage and intriguing décor, including an abstract glass chandelier and an imposing taxidermy elephant’s head—a nod to the reception room in the 'Safari' museum building, which is covered from floor to ceiling in stuffed animals. Although not pictured in the listing, the room features in the Resorts and Lodges' YouTube video.
Alongside the 'Safari' museum room, there was once an impressive display of cap guns. Lining the walls, these cabinets were built by former owner Charles and they were previously home to one of the world’s largest cap gun collections, reportedly worth some £1.7 million ($2m). What would you do with this museum space now?
Current owner Rebecca explained to Resorts and Lodges that her then-husband Charles learned how to construct vaulted ceilings when visiting San Miguel de Allende, before incorporating the designs from his Mexico trip into some of the rooms. Each room is brimming with rustic charm: “Everything Charles does has a meaning and a purpose and a beauty to it," she explains.
The whole village is an extension of the main home that the former couple built first, Rebecca reveals, “but the house itself kept growing and growing and growing. Every time there was another door, Charles had another idea." She describes how he would let his imagination run wild. Here, a curving stone tunnel features iconoclastic artwork framed in a cabinet, much like Charles’ cap gun collection elsewhere.
In another part of the village, an Old West-style saloon awaits, or dinner theatre as it’s also referred to. The characterful space features authentic swing-style doors, a wooden bar, vaulted ceilings and of course, plenty of taxidermy heads framing the walls.
If your own bar doesn’t suffice, how about your own wine cellar? Complete with hand-carved stairs and space for hundreds of bright green bottles, the wine cellar features angel statues with glowing lights to watch over your sacred collection.
In the lodge, you'll find a bridal suite has been set up for the happy couple, complete with a corner soaking tub, leather sofa and rose petals strewn in candlelight. The building’s quintessential multi-panelled windows and wooden beamed ceilings frame the space, with characterful cracked stone flooring below.
The main bedroom suite boasts a large wooden four-poster bed and richly coloured furnishings, while dome ceiling lights illuminate the handsome wood surrounds. A charming drinks globe awaits opposite the seating area, complete with a chest coffee table atop a cosy tapestry rug.
Taking the winding staircase underground, more delights are waiting to be discovered. This charming guest room, complete with a domed ceiling clad in intricate stone tiling, resembles something from a children’s storybook illustration. The striking space hosts walls of bookshelves for guests to peruse.
Deeper underground, you’ll find the village’s very own chapel via one of many connecting passageways. The remarkable subterranean space features old wooden church pews, a cast iron bell and more cream stone curved ceilings, reminiscent of a pared-back Gaudí design.
Classic statues and large crosses adorn the walls, while a pulpit stands proudly in front of an antique carved marble fireplace. Ready to address the congregation, this rather stunning underground chapel is ideal for small, intimate ceremonies steeped in character.
But that’s not the only surprising secret hiding beneath the village. An incredible grotto has been built from scratch underground—a water-filled cave complete with authentic stalagmites that hang from the ceiling, along with a pool kept at 85°C, ideal for relaxing.
While the underground grotto would preoccupy most guests for hours, more amenities await above ground. Situated alongside one of the accommodation blocks is this rustic outdoor swimming pool hewn from local rock, which benefits from plenty of Texas sunshine.
Moving a little higher up in elevation, this is one of the property's numerous observation decks. The outdoor space hosts its own stove and seating area, perfect for taking in the stunning views of Enchanted Rock as it cascades from Gillespie County into the lower portions of Llano County.
Another magical reception area can be found outside in the courtyard. Framed by fairy lights strung overhead and a canopy of trees to shade revellers, the space is an enchanting spot for a wedding reception or party. With so much space on offer, there's enough room to invite the whole village!
At night, the village's streets are lit by old-fashioned six-headed lamps that glow orange against the Texan sunset, illuminating the Mediterranean-style terracotta buildings as dusk falls. Native trees and foliage frame the walkways, including Spanish oak and cedar elm.
Should you have £5.6 million ($6.4m) to hand, you could snap up your very own world in Fredericksburg, Texas with nods to the “American Old West, Tuscany, Santa Fe, and Spain’s Gaudí”. An ode to a different time, as though "Texas and Italy embraced in a kiss”, the Trois Estate is one of the most unique real estate opportunities we've come across. You can browse the listing and brochure for all the intriguing details.
This mock-Mediterranean village isn't the only promising town on the market though. From idyllic island communities to American gold-rush towns frozen in time, these unique settlements around the world are the ultimate real estate investments. Click or scroll on to discover the best communities on the market now...
This custom-built container home park lies in the suburbs of Waco, Texas, and is currently for sale for just under £1.1 million ($1.3m). Offering plenty of bang for your buck, the picturesque tiny town could give the right buyer the chance to create their very own chic community, vacation business or dreamy private estate. Ready to take on the mantle of mayor? Click or scroll on to take a tour of this one-of-a-kind property...
Aptly named 'Cargo Home Park' by listing agents The Triliji Group, the quirky community is a recent development that was constructed in 2021. Since then, it's been operating as a highly successful vacation rental business, with each of the estate's six shipping container homes listed on Airbnb. The two-acre parcel lies minutes from the Magnolia Market, the shopping complex created by Fixer Upper icons, Chip and Joanna Gaines. Downtown Waco, Baylor University and the area's varied dining opportunities are also within easy reach, making this innovative container park perfect for anyone looking to take on an already flourishing business.
Each of the estate's six container homes is entirely unique, with beautifully curated, bespoke interiors. Each unit provides just 480 square feet of accommodation, but the living spaces have been meticulously designed to provide residents with everything they could need for a comfortable stay. Each of the stylish tiny homes on the acreage comes complete with a small living area, fitted out with a couch, coffee table and TV. The floor plans also include a fully equipped kitchen, a dining space, bedroom and bathroom. Downsizing never looked so good!
Inside, this brilliant tiny home is contemporary and cool, with a monochrome colour palette, dark natural wood accents and modern fixtures and finishes. Thanks to the container's high ceiling and large panels of glass, the interior is bright and airy, making it feel much larger than its modest 480 square feet. What's more, the new owner doesn't need to worry about being overworked, since hands-free management is already in place. The park also boasts fantastic Airbnb reviews and a diary filled with future bookings.
When you think about real estate in California, you might picture the plush mega-mansions of Los Angeles, or the mid-century modern pads of Palm Springs, but if you fancy a slice of the good life, you might want to consider an altogether different type of property. The town of Bridgeville in Humboldt County is currently up for grabs for £1.3 million ($1.5m) via Realty World.
The quaint hamlet was founded in the late 19th century and sits alongside idyllic woodland landscapes. The scenic Van Duzen River runs through the town, which features a dramatic bridge, after which the settlement was named.
The 83-acre community made headlines as the first town to be listed on eBay when it landed on the online buying site in 2002. After the initial sale fell through, real estate developer Bruce Krall snapped up Bridgeville, selling it once more via eBay in 2006. But months later, following the sudden passing of the settlement's new owner, it was placed back on the market.
The community underwent renovations in the early 2000s, however, there's still plenty of work needed to breathe new life into this timeworn town. Nevertheless, there's no shortage of potential here: as well as the substantial acreage on offer, the sale price includes a number of homes and cabins, a 150-year-old post office, a vacant café and a cemetery. Are you up for the challenge?
Known as Coopers Creek, this former mining town has a unique history. It was established in the 1860s, during the Victorian gold rush, when copper was discovered there. It apparently had a population of 250 during its boom era and featured everything from a pub to a post office. Throughout its history, gold, copper and lime have all been mined here and the town has been owned by the same family since the '60s, but now it's on the market for an estimated AUD$2.5 million—that’s £1.4 million ($1.6m).
Domain described the property as "Australia's own version of Schitt's Creek" and we can certainly see why. The unique idyll is nestled in the mountains near historic Walhalla and comes complete with 19 vacant blocks, measuring 7,104 square feet to more than 129,166 square feet, meaning the new owner could easily build more businesses or holiday homes to rent out. Plus, the 11-acre estate also boasts a two-bedroom residence and a charming, English-style pub.
Inside, the traditional pub comes with endless cosy sitting areas, a restaurant-style dining zone and a stage, so the new owner could host live music sessions for their punters. There's even a few pool tables—games night, anyone? Rustic, inviting and perfectly in keeping with the town's history, the décor includes oak barrel tables, hardwood floors, tiled elements, open brick fireplaces, vintage light fixtures and plenty of old school signage that appears to originate from the 19th century.
As for the main house, it offers plenty of traditional design elements and eye-catching architectural details, from hardwood floors to sash windows. There's an open-plan living room with a dining space, a kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. What's more, the home's exterior veranda spans the entire length of the property. The idyllic town is secluded, but conveniently located a few hours' drive from Melbourne, making it perfect for someone looking to set up a thriving tourism business.
On the market for £4.8 million ($5.5m), Tuthill is located in the town of Pittston, Maine. Nestled on more than 50 acres of land, the picturesque settlement includes 25 buildings and structures that were the brainchild of local antiques dealer Kenneth Tuttle.
With his heart set on building an antique village, Tuttle bought the main house in 1967 and expanded his settlement from there, saving historic buildings from other towns that were going to be demolished. While the community may have been established in the not-so-distant past, the structures date back to the 19th and 20th centuries and include a showroom for over 30 cars, along with numerous barns.
There are a total of nine residences in the village, which are made up of five family homes, three apartments and a studio guesthouse. All but two of these properties are currently rented out to tenants, either on a monthly basis or until 2022, so the new owner will have a steady income.
The stunning natural backdrop of the village boasts a pond, apple trees and flowering bushes. Other ornate buildings include a historic restored antiques shop, an old church meeting hall, two shops and a mechanic's garage.
The rural hamlet of Campo in San Diego County has hit the market for a reported £5.3 million ($6m). Just one hour east of San Diego, the town comes with 28 buildings and is ideal for someone looking to take on a town that's already up and running.
A quiet setting, Campo is currently home to around 100 people and comes with working buildings including a post office and church. However, the current residents are looking for the new owner to expand the town, adding facilities such as a gym, laundromat and recreation centres.
Spread over 16 acres, the small community is peppered with abandoned clapboard homes like this one. With a little work, these neglected structures could provide charming houses for new residents looking to relocate to the town.
The picturesque town of Colona in Colorado sits between the mountains and the valley near the rather beautiful town of Telluride and the Telluride Ski Resort, a favourite winter escape of the rich and famous. Talk show legend Oprah owns a home in Telluride, while Hollywood actor Tom Cruise once had a ski chalet in the area worth a cool £34.6 million ($39.5m). This means that Colona is well-placed to capitalise on the area's tourism industry, should the new owner wish.
Spanning over 38 acres, the first settlers arrived in Colona in 1874, with the Ute Indian Tribe settling in the area around the town the following year. White colonisers forced the tribe to relocate in 1881, after which point the settlement changed ownership a number of times. In the late 1880s, a military post and a railroad stop were established. Yet by 2020, the population of Colona was just 36, according to the United States Census Bureau.
Today, the community is peppered with characterful period buildings, including seven homes, one mobile home, 11 residential lots, an historic post office and the Stockyards, which is an outdoor community events space. Some of the buildings benefit from vaulted ceilings, exposed wooden beams, sash windows and hardwood floors. As the listing states, nearly all the commercial buildings have been meticulously restored by the current owner, meaning all you'd need to do is pack your bags and move in.
What's more, the town's bar is for sale for an additional £1.1 million ($1.2m), while its coffee shop could be yours for an extra £348,000 ($385k), should you want to complete the lot. With few refreshment options on the highway between Ouray and Montrose, these two businesses could be a savvy investment. They each come complete with all the equipment, fixtures and furnishings you could need, as well as a drive-thru and a parking lot.
Got £13.9 million ($15.9m) going spare? Then this upscale village, located on a dreamy private island in Georgia's Golden Isles, could be yours. Little Hawkins offers an ideal hideaway from modern life without sacrificing any creature comforts. Surrounded by waterfront views and coastal salt marshes, wildlife is plentiful here, with dolphins, otters, turtles and a myriad of fish and birds making a regular appearance.
Within easy reach of the mainland, there’s a private dock suitable for a 40-foot boat, or you can drive over the community's private 110-foot concrete bridge. For more far-flung destinations, there's even an airport located on neighbouring Sea Island.
The village itself, which is on the market with Private Islands Inc, is comprised of four buildings nestled within a three-acre gated community. A luxurious property serves as the main residence, flanked by two cottages and a clubhouse, complete with an outdoor pool, spa and bar. If that wasn't enough, the lot also enjoys over 700 feet of water frontage.
The spectacular interior of the main residence oozes traditional charm, with wooden coffered ceilings and decorative arches. Handcrafted touches abound throughout, from the solid mahogany doors to the reclaimed antique pine flooring and bespoke Spanish terracotta tiles.
Sandwiched between the Cornish villages of Boscastle and Tintagel, this 1,200-acre English village provides history, space and jaw-dropping scenery. On the market with Savills for just under £15.8 million ($18m), Trevalga comes complete with six farms, as well as 17 houses and cottages. Yet the village's ample offering and stunning scenery aren't its only draws...
Savvy fans may recognise the landscape from the popular television series, Poldark, which follows dashing hero Ross (played by Aidan Turner). Many of the show's iconic scenes were filmed nearby. There are no end of beautiful homes in the village, too. You could play Lord of the Manor at this clifftop stately home—although it's currently being rented out to a very lucky local! The hamlet also features a range of traditional stone cottages with slate roofs.
Dominating the hamlet is the estate’s main working farm, which is let on a Farm Business Tenancy until 2031. There are four more fully equipped farms and further land and outbuildings, which are currently being leased out, providing the new owner with regular income. However, some local residents have serious concerns about the sale of the village. Tenants of Trevalga, some of which go back three generations or more, fear a new owner will evict them. In fact, they've created a petition to fight the sale.
Occupying a stunning location, the village sits just moments from Cornwall's most specular coastline. Glistening blue waters, lush countryside and craggy cliffs will be your daily backdrop. The listing includes about a mile of coastline, as well as a few rocky islands lying just off the shore, including Short Island and Long Island, where razorbills, guillemots and puffins can often be spotted. If you're keen to keep this stunning village thriving, then Savills has all the details you need.
This dreamy Italian hamlet could soon be yours for a cool €40 million—or £34.8 million ($40m). Perched high on a hilltop, the charming village of Poggio Santa Cecilia in Italy's scenic Tuscany region was abandoned in the 1960s and has sadly fallen into a state of disrepair over the last 60 years.
Located in 1,730 acres of land, the village includes the remains of a medieval castle that could make the ultimate fixer-upper, as well as a vast 18th-century villa and a church complete with a bell tower. The grounds also include partially restored stables, an olive mill and a labyrinth of underground cellars.
The winding streets are sheltered by a tall city wall, featuring stone arches and exquisite medieval architecture. Lining the village's flagstone roads, an array of traditional Tuscan homes offer wooden front doors, terracotta-tiled roofs and beamed ceilings.
On the market with Essentis Group, the sale includes 50 separate buildings plus 200 acres of woodland, two lakes, 23 acres of fruit trees and 55 acres of vineyards. Ready to breathe new life into this historic settlement?
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